About Red Bird Fields
Family and Tradition…it’s what we do.
We are very fortunate to have parents and grandparents, for generations, that have passed down the importance of one another. This part of Milam county’s river bottom has been a part of our family since the late 1800s.
As far as we can trace, it all began when Hugh Mewhinney purchased a few thousand acres in 1874, the upper and lower ranches. The location of Red Bird Fields is a part of the lower ranch. Over time the land was divided up and passed down to children and also sections were sold.
Where we came from…..
Hugh Mewhinney had 7 children. After his death he left all of his remaining land to grandchildren, one of which was Veva Mewhinney Mayfield (wife of David Mayfield). They had one son, David. Dave Jr. married Mary Elizabeth Rice and they had one son, Blake Mayfield.
“Granny V’s” was the place that family came to visit and make memories. Mary and Blake still reside on the family farm. Blake has many fond memories and he tells the story of the current square water well that still remains on the property. His great grandfather, John May Mewhinney, dug that well in 1913. He went down the well on a wooden ladder with a couple sticks of dynamite. He lit the dynamite and the ladder broke! He had to slap the two pieces of ladder together and he was able to escape just in the nick of time. Many memories have been made on the current spot where Red Bird Fields sits. Blake can share many stories of this special land and the people who have visited over the years.
Part of the lower ranch was sold to Willie Rufus Cryer. He was one of the 4 Cryer brothers who married one of the 4 Reeves sisters. Willie married Elizabeth and they had three daughters by birth and another by heart. Connie Edith, Willie “Bill” Caldonia, Shirley Vivian and Gladys. Sisters, Bill and Shirley remained on the family farm and raised their children on the land left from their father and mother. Shirley married H.L. Allison, a boy from the other side of the river. They had one son, Buddy. Buddy was raised on the family farm. Buddy married Genie Gardner and they settled down in the river bottom and chose to raise their six children there. Angie, Luke, Ali, Abbie, Annie and Lou Mandy all grew up hearing stories of how Grandmother and Grandaddy Cryer’s home was host to many family gatherings, holidays and front porch sitting was a fond memory for all.
Where we are now…..
Buddy and Genie now have 12 children and 18 grandchildren. Luke and Bobbi Allison have Kenli, Gunner, Graden and Kannon. Ali and Bubba DeLukie have Brody, Brigg and Brock. Abbie and Josh Harriman have Emorie. Annie and Justin Bane have Champ. Lou Mandy and Allen Bruggman have Bright, Dilly Grace and Bravely Ann. Angie and JR Peace have Dusty (and wife Destiny), Gage, Hailey, Ashlyn and Makenna.
We have found that as the years go by, family time is so very precious. Family isn’t always blood. Mrs. Mary and Blake are also a part of us, we are blessed that neighbors have become family. We are all thankful for those before us that have left an example of hard work, commitment to family and legacy of love. We truly believe that this part of the river bottom is a sacred place rich in history. It holds a lot of love, grace, laughter and memories for those who have ever spent any time here. It is our desire to share this piece of heaven on earth with others.
Why the Red Bird?
Our Omommy, Shirley Allison, loved all of the little creatures that are native to this area. Among her favorite though, was the Red Bird. As we would sit at her table, sipping on her famous sweet tea, a Red Bird would often appear at her bird feeder. Faithfully, she would tell us to make a wish. We always would. So, together we make a wish that others would come visit our special place and make memories of their own!